salmonpastures

My old man flew in Mosquito's during the same period and experienced various "Merlin engines" from a variety of sources within the allied empire,,,, in his opinion the Canadians got close but it was just short of a "real R-R merlin",, he also had opinions about the Packard version,,, who apparently also made engines for the agricultural industry. SAD

Surely better than "out west" or even better,,, "daan sarf" This is all pretty rich from someone who "waxes lyrical" about the living conditions in the back streets of "South Yorkshire" at exhibitions!!!!! Hope your not extracting the urine Mr D,,, SAD

S. Devon f1.jpg Not quite sure what the bright green square is in the first photo. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Looks like a severe case of flockitus to me,,, serves you right,,, bring back the brick and grunge. SAD

You certainly can sir,,,, bring lots of bytes with you as there are all sorts of new bits which need recording. SAD

Many thanks for that EWDivide,,, I knew Lizzie was a bit of a legend in South Yorks but I had not heard of her knocking over a traction engine,,,, give me time,,, I can work on that!!! A typical Salmon Pastures load of nonsense,,, when I take the layout to exhibitions most people want to talk about the tram, [and we know nothing about trams,,, and it shows] and now I can see Lizzie sharing the highlights with the tram. Just for the record Lizzie and the tram support the railway which is actually my main interest,,, oh and by the way,,, if you do make Trainwest Melksham this weekend you may well spot the "The New Tram",,,, which "should" be ready,,, and yes it's a Super Tram ,, particularly when compared with the one it is replacing!!! Again EW D many thanks for the post and interest. SAD

Well we are almost there,,, apart from the drive from North Norfolk to Melksham. So as not to upset "the westerner" I thought I had better prove that the new entrance is now in place,,, As you can see we have just had a shower down on the pastures,,, nothing whatsoever to do with the last coat of paint being slightly moist!!!! All I need to do tomorrow is pack everything up,,, and after looking at the latest photo I reckon I should have time to add a few weeds to the bottom of that new fence,,, it looks decidedly bare as it is. Why not come and join in the official opening,,, we are having it at Trainwest 2015 at Melksham this weekend. What a coincidence,, if you make it please say hello. SAD and everyone at Salmon Pastures. PS: We are directed by Mr Geoff of Trainwest fame that we all have to bring our own mugs!!!! We never go anywhere without them!!!

Thanks for that Kevin,, I have received lots of photo's of me being a bus in the old Yugoslavia but this is the first time I have received a photo of me being a signal box. Very appropriate as well,,, large,, imposing,, well past it's best and cordoned off!! Perhaps the name is all about the condition not the position,,,who knows SAD

A quick update as we plough on regardless for Trainwest. Building umpteen dwellings on Fiddle Hill has created several "what the heck do I do with that space" scenario's,,, the above pic is one solution. It's a sorry tale with the Daimler,,, the driver/humper was sure it was a stone in the tyre and it turned out to be serious problems with the clutch!!! Mind you I thoroughly enjoyed detailing the original model for the engine out mode,,,,and it beats me how our friends in China can produce something as nice as this for under a £5. Looking forward to meeting any RMwebbers who make it to Melksham. SAD

As it's a debate I offer the following,,, 1, Some are going to take the hobby more seriously than others and understandably so,, but I think we need the starter outers who perhaps have no desire to improve on anything,,,without the volume people buying all these things from the major manufacturers those who take it more seriously will soon find they have nothing to improve on. 2, I am fortunate to have a layout which gets invited to exhibitions and therefore have nothing but admiration for people who put there heads above the parapet to be shot at,, and anybody who has done it knows,, you will get shot at,, the balance of course is you also receive some lovely comments as well, and usually you know during the show that you are surrounded by kindred spirits. 3, I have signals on my layout which DO NOT work,,, I don't even know if they are in the right place or of the right type. I need to find out and it is an item which has been on my to do list for at least 10 years,,, to me signalling is a complete mystery so it very regularly falls down the priority list. 4, I started train spotting as a kid in the late 50's but certainly would not call myself an operational expert,, and I am aware that at shows especially later on in the afternoons I tend to play trains rather than provide an accurate operational spectacle. 5, I can look at RTR models people have modified on forums and marvel at what they have achieved,, particularly Graeme King,, I enjoy kit and scratch building loco's and everything else come to that but mine are all done to a standard acceptable to me,,, if somebody recognises, or even likes what I've built then I am delighted,, if they like to offer constructive comment on a certain rivet being .03 nano millimetres to the left from original then they will be listened to but I'm not going to get home and move it and all that entails. 6, I have a mixture of RTR, kit, and scratch built stuff,, and have improved on things Triang, Bec, Millholme K's produced in the late 60's and 70's but these days I do not see the point in ruining the paint job on either Bachmann or Hornby product for the sake of an extra millimetre here and there which probably less than 2% of an audience at a show will notice. But I really do admire those who do & have a desire to improve all manner of things but my layouts shortcomings are such that setting about current RTR stock is not high on my priority list, although I accept it would be nice to have the actual loco with the right number for my chosen period. 7, Crew and lamps,, as my model is an engine shed I have compromised on crew,, some loco's have them others don't,, I well remember dodging in and out of out of steam stock behind Crimpsall works and believe me very few had crew in them,,, thankfully. But obviously the downside is some of the stock does leave the shed with a ghost crew,, exactly the same with lamps,,, some have them some don't,, was it Borchester that used to change the headlamp codes before each movement,,, lovely touch,, but for me and the operators completely impractical,,, there would be more hands of god than anything else. SAD

Personally I love the stuff but am aware it is not to everyone's taste. Tony, you are aware if you stop posting on here those of us who look forward to learning more will just find another way of pestering you for advice and that will take up more of your time than posting on here,, I know that because you love to help people and it has to be said have a lot to offer. Obviously your choice but a great shame you are even thinking along those lines in my opinion. Looking at the volume you attract must surely tell us all something. I have been fortunate to visit LB in person and found the day truly inspirational,, and I hate to mention it but playing trains can be really good fun,, especially with the right people. Again, in my opinion, you & LB are definitely deserving an "OOscar",,, but please keep the acceptance speech short. SAD

Richard, Markeg, I got mine from Essex Miniatures see: www.essexminiatures.co.uk/ I used the 15mm range found in the "ancients" section,,they also do a 28mm range & I guess that would be great if you wanted an O gauge LNER elephant. They are white metal and need painting and trimming from the 6 ton's of footprint earth that they come with. Although to be careful/pedantic she was employed by T.W.Wards and not by the railway which at the time of WW1 would probably have been either the G.C.R or Midland. But as it's my railway I have owners rights for a bit of approved timewarping on the dates!! She came with a pikeman and driver,,, both of whom have now taken up alternative employment in the area,,, working at the local telephone exchange and handling all the trunk calls!!! Thanks for the interest,,, what a daft hobby this can be at times!! SAD

I wasn't aware that Preiser did them but I got mine from a Wargaming supplier,,,,they have quite a range,, armoured,,, charging etc even the one with the cricket paviilion strapped to it's back so the harem can get into the action. Am at work at the moment and can't remember the manufacturer but will advise later. SAD

That's not any old elephant Alan that's Lizzie Ward,,, she's the one without the flat cap!!! For anyone interested in LNER elephants and the justification thereof can I suggest you look at the full write up on the Salmon Pastures Blog. But be warned it is not for the squeemish!!! If you'd like to meet her in person then she will be at Trainwest Melksham in April, and we will get her serviced before we arrive. Bloomin typical,,, we have one of JG Robinsons finest in a wonderful livery and the popular interest is either the tram or bloomin elephant!! SAD PS,, thanks for the pics Alan,,,,again.

Just to let everyone know what progress is being made,, I attach the latest pics,, progress is being made with the start of mounting of the new entrance building,,, it needs final settling into position but we are a lot closer than my last post [which was November!!!] The disused sleeper fencing is also appearing but again needs a lot of settling & finishing. Also attach a bit of colour to brighten up a winter afternoon,,, both recent festive arrivals [courtesy of Santa] a Director in apple green,,, and eye eye it's Nelson the Jubilee in maroon,,, both should be run in by the time we hit Trainwest Melksham in April. Anybody know why the lining and from an earlier post the tiling on the terraced houses go's haywire with digital pics??? I am to digipics what Herod was to babysitting but the D11 lining looks much better in the flesh. Will post further progress pics as get closer to Trainwest. SAD

Come and see it in the flesh as we are doing Trainwest Melksham in April,,,,, we [sad, Alan> "westerner" and David] look forward to meeting any RMwebbers,,, Sad and the Salmon Pasteurizers

Many thanks for the post Richard,,, I have promised the D9 I won't post any more pics of it until it's finished,,,as it has been featuring quite a lot lately and I really am the worlds worst at finishing things off,,, but if you want to see a bit more of it then there is: a, the Flickr album on the Salmon Pastures blog site,, or b, I don't know if you visit the LNER Encyclopedia forum but I covered quite a lot of the building of it in pictures on that site. Am currently building a Robinson L1 2-6-4t but that has taken a back seat as I need to get these bloomin terraced houses finished before the next exhibition. Again many thanks for your post,, much appreciated and good look going "Forward" with your London Extension. SAD

Nice Richard, There can be little doubt where the road overbridge stems from,,, I also particularly like your signal box innards,,, Your obviously going to have great fun painting all your loco's in 1910 livery!!!!! Please keep the progress pictures coming. SAD

Thanks to Westerner and his box brownie for yet another couple of excellent pics,,, the D9 is on shed to have it's handrails fitted and lining applied!!!! [and he might be there some time allowing for how much we have to do on Fiddle Hill] and after Toosday there is no denying we will be modelling with our flangeless woolie hats and arctic T shirts this year,,, Oh joy of joy's. I've been distracted for the last couple of nights as I've found the Templot site,,, clever stuff is Templot,,, I just hope I live long enough to master how I replace some of my 20 year old hideous pointwork in the fiddle yard,,, still it keeps me off the streets, and gainfully employed,,, and away from the lawnmower!!! SAD

Hi Alan, That would be very useful as I have had quite a good weekend churning out the other side of the street and by Tuesday evening some assistance siting some of this little lot would be very useful. I have got the the groundworks in place it is more a case of what goes where,,,, as usual. SAD

The "cottage Industry" continues apace,,, I'll be glad when they're finshed!!! Apologies for the roofing,,, probably due to the flash working at a different frequency to the tiler,,,, or something,,, but not a problem with those in the 3rd shot I'd better crack on as my organiser tells me I have just 20 weeks to Trainwest Melksham!!!! yikes. SAD

Tony, Whilst savouring the latest pictures of yet more lovely visiting stock gracing LB I got to pondering the recurring theme of cheque-book modelling. If it makes people happy and interested in the hobby and purchasing lots and lots then I am all for it. It has also dawned on me that some of us are perhaps VERY fortunate to be able to do everything for themselves which if nothing else provides a pretty constant standard. Don't get me wrong some bits I love doing,,, other bits I'd be more than happy to wave the cheque book at but that is not going to happen as it is not a realistic solution to the problem. There are also very obvious savings being self contained within the hobby,,, that thought offered me the opportunity to approach the "budget controller" with quite a valid argument as to why an LNER green liveried D11 on special offer at a bargain £145 was not to be missed,,, and anyway just consider how much I have saved over the years by doing it all myself. The response was pretty predictable and along the lines of "I dread to think how much you would have spent if you had to pay others to help you with your hobby, it's bad enough as it is,,, and we have the cat and dog's annual MOT to come before Xmas" Ah well I suppose I could trawl through the "kit's to do" shelf and see if Marne outweighs one of the next 40 years projects!!!! [i should be so lucky.] Perhaps those who have fat wads would love to be able to do it all themselves,,, the same as those who have thin or pensioned wads have to be pragmatic and do most of it themselves and I also suppose the vast majority are somewhere in between. The others mans Doncaster green is always greener I suppose but I bet most of us get an enormous buzz out of the hobby,,, and I know I get an enormous amount of satisfaction creating my own little world to my own standard. And that standard has risen considerably since forums such as this became available to anyone who has a computer,,,, but I much prefer modelling to foruming. SAD

Mind!!! what a lovely model of a lovely locomotive,,, one of Mr Robinsons finest. Please keep them coming Chris. SAD

Was gently reminded by the Picturesque Westerner the other evening that progress reports from the Pastures had all but dissappeared,,,, Oh yee of little faith Mr D!!! Anyway further to the last pics of the new entrance which is now complete but not yet in place I thought I had better offer some pictorial evidence of what I had actually been up to,,,, The council developers have been decidedly busy on "Fiddle Hill" and considerable progress has been made on hiding the yard. There is a couple of shots of the start of 28 dwellings being built for the local residents,,,, and if your wondering what this collection of bits is all about well I have actually started building a Robinson/GCR Zeppelin/Crab. I do have a thing about BIG & UGLY and they don't come any better than this Is that better Mr D ???? [ I keep telling him I prefer modelling to blogging but it dosen't seem to make much difference] SAD

Of course I've helped him, but about half of what you see above is his work. I made sure the chassis was true and that the motor/gearbox ran sweetly, but he put the wheels on, fitted the pick-ups (with me watching) put one rod on, erected the brake gear, assisted me with the bogie and pony and soldered on one of the main sides. It looks very nice work, and it is, and it works so sweetly (even after I'd carelessly knocked the chassis onto the floor- but it landed on carpet). So sweetly, that three adult observers yesterday wished they'd made it themselves. He'll need my help less and less. Don't you think stuff like this lad is doing has equal merit to model railway empires built just with the power of cash? Like a fair bit of mine, though over a long time in fairness. Without newcomers like Jack (drop the daft user name, my lad!), then the actual personal making of model railways might have a long-term future, if only there are more of him. He's really trying (not trying me!), and won't give up. Good on you! ------------------------------------- Great progress so far Jack,,, and a lovely prototype to have chosen,,, a 4-4-2 has a natural balance & with some expert guidance on hand I'm pretty sure your on to a winner. We are all aware of the lack of new blood coming in to the hobby and unless we do something about it Messr's Hornby and Bachmann are going to start making something else because they are interested in one thing,,,, volume. We all have a responsibility to promote the hobby to the next generation,,,, if we don't we really can't complain. There really is more to life than kicking a pigs bladder or pushing buttons on an inanimate piece of black plastic!!! Wonderful shots of this weeks progress Tony,,, I particularly like the illusion of depth looking towards the M&GN flyover. Regards SAD

That's convenient,,, I do hope it's well sealed,,,arf arf throw me a pilchard!!!! Better be careful as technically I suppose privy's and seals could come under politics as well!!! SAD